debut

American  

[dey-byoo, dih-, dey-byoo, deb-yoo] / deɪˈbyu, dɪ-, ˈdeɪ byu, ˈdɛb yu /

Or début

noun

1. a first public appearance on a stage, on television, etc.

2. the first appearance of something, as a new product.

3. (of a young woman) a formal introduction and entrance into society, as at an annual ball.

4. the beginning of a profession, career, etc.

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verb (used without object)

1. to make a debut, as in society or in a performing art.

   She decided to debut with several other violinists.

2. to appear for the first time, as on the market.

   A new product will debut next month.

verb (used with object)

1. to perform (something) for the first time before an audience.

   He didn't know when the orchestra would debut his new symphony.

2. to place on the market for the first time; introduce.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or constituting a first appearance.

   a debut performance; a debut record album.

debut British  

/ ˈdeɪbjuː, ˈdɛbjuː /

noun

1. 1. the first public appearance of an actor, musician, etc, or the first public presentation of a show

   2. ( as modifier )

      debut album

2. the presentation of a debutante

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verb

1. to make a debut

Etymology

Origin of debut

1745–55; < French début, derivative of débuter to make the first stroke in a game, make one's first appearance, equivalent to dé- de- + -buter, verbal derivative of but goal; see butt ²

Explanation

A debut is a first appearance, a launch, or public introduction. So before you make your big debut at the office, check and make sure you don't have spinach in your teeth. Perhaps you’ve heard of debutantes making their official debut into society, or actresses and actors making their debut on stage. A fun fact: debut and premiere are often thought to be interchangeable, but they’re not. A debut, as you now know, is a first public appearance. But a premiere, while also a “first,” isn't necessarily live. When a movie opens or an interview is broadcast for the first time, they're called premieres.

Example Sentences

It has been a long and difficult journey since, but the 31-year-old speaks with admirable ease about the traumatic events which have led her to a London Marathon debut in 2026.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Following an unbeaten domestic treble in Bompastor's debut 2024-25 campaign, the Blues have fallen behind some of their rivals this season.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Jonathan, who was making his Broadway debut, was the bird seller and part of the musical ensemble.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Then a fortuitous gig at Disneyland led to a television debut on “Disney After Dark” in 1962.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

“My debut as hostess of Ashton Place? Our first Christmas as husband and wife?”

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• appearance
• beginning
• inauguration
• introduction
• launching
• opener
• presentation